Scratch Map won’t scratch off

Although I have experienced some stubborn film and printed text that have required a bit of creativity to scratch off. But rest assured, it has always scratched off. 

Maybe I have been lucky because the film has always come off using the tips that I will outline in this article.

Most maps are finished on laminated surface. The film sits on top of the laminated map and is very durable when using a coin to remover the film.

Some maps have a matt finish. Unlike the laminated finish, this finish requires a gentle touch and should be scratched with a pencil eraser. 

Let’s take a closer look at a Scratch Map that has a stubborn spot on a Scratch Map and explore a solution to fix the problem. 

Try different items to find a good tool to scratch your map

After you have followed the manufactures instructions and there are still parts of the Scratch Map that are not coming off, maybe you will want to try using a different tool to scratch with.

Although a coin may seem like the ideal tool (and it does work really well), using a tool with a pointy tip may be what is required to remove stubborn sections.

Being too aggressive may result in damaging the Scratch Map so always use caution. Take your time and be genital until you see how the map is reacting.

A common household item that seems to work well for many stubborn sections is a toothpick. 

The toothpick’s pointy tip can be very aggressive so start slow and gentle to gauge the necessary amount of force required to remove the stubborn film or print.

Being too aggressive may result in damaging the Scratch Map so always use caution. 

The wood of the wooden toothpick is softer than the metal coin. This reduces your chance of pushing too hard or being too aggressive.

Also, I think a key reason why a toothpick is a successful tool where the coin has failed is that the toothpick has such a fine point you can feel the edge of the stubborn film and scratch it off. 

Illustrated below is what your Scratch Map may look like if the film doesn’t scratch off. 

Picture 1 shows the film untouched and ready to be scratched. 

Picture 2 is what is left behind after scratching off the film with a coin. You can see that the gold film has come off quite easily. 

The stubborn sections are the areas where the country was outlined and the area where the text is printed. 

To me it seems that the ink is hard compared to the soft gold film, I think that is why it is not coming off as easily. 

The stubborn spots are the countries outline and the text

Picture 3 is the result of using a wooden toothpick to scratch away the remaining ink and film that the coin did not get. 

Although using a toothpick to get the stubborn ink and film off does take additional time and care, it is fun and satisfying to do it, and the result is a very clean looking Scratch Map. 

When scratching with a toothpick, if scratching in a single direction is not working, try scratching in a different direction, I have used this technique, and it is a possible solution. 

How do I fix damage on my Scratch Map?

Did you scratch too hard and now your Scratch Map is damaged? This can happen if the film is being stubborn and the right tool is not employed to take it off.

If you have scratched your Scratch Map too hard and the paper of the map is now damaged the best way to fix it is to recolor it with a marker. 

To fix damage on your Scratch Map that may have been caused by over scratching first remove any loose material.

It is best not to pull on loose edges because this may cause further damage. Instead, use a razor blade or a utility knife to make a clean cut off any loose material.

Do Not pull on loose edges because this may cause further damage. Instead, use a razor blade or a utility knife to make a clean cut off any loose material.

Next, you will want to find a marker that is the same color as the area that you wish to repair. Use the marker to cover up any damage to the map.

Of course, this does not make the damage go away, but the maker will act as camouflage and help the damage to blend in so it will be much less noticeable.

Read the reviews before you buy a Scratch Map

You can discover many different things about a Scratch Map by reading the reviews that other people post about their experience with the product. 

This can be very helpful in your decision-making process. When I’m shopping online, I like to find a product that has over 100 reviews that are mostly positive. 

While reading the reviews, you will often find information that is useful to your purchase, even if it was not what you were initially looking for. 

I have seen customers photos and comments that I have found to be an excellent source of information that cannot be found in the description. 

Also, sometimes people ask good questions that you may not have thought about. 

Of course, it is impossible to for every review to be positive, but watch the for reoccurring issues that may alter your decision or at very least you will know what to expect. 

Have you tried everything and your Scratch Map won’t scratch off?

Although I have not personally experienced a film that will not come off no matter what, other people have so it cannot be dismissed. Consider returning the product. As a customer, it is your right to determine if your Scratch Map is of acceptable quality. 

Tell me your story of a Scratch Map that was hard to scratch in the comments below. Did you use other creative ways to get off the film or cover damage?